Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Beth remains at the orphanage after being forbidden to play chess, until Alma and Allston Wheatley adopt her as a teenager. Their comfortable house offers little company: Allston leaves on business trips, and Alma spends much of her time alone. School is scarcely more welcoming. The other girls mock Beth, and there is no chess club to join. She looks for books and a board instead, then discovers a magazine advertising a Kentucky tournament with a cash prize she could win.
Unable to afford the entry fee, Beth writes to Mr Shaibel and receives the money she needs. An errand to collect Alma's prescription also gives her access to the familiar green tranquilizers. At the tournament, the organisers are surprised by an unrated girl entering the main competition. Beth beats Annette Packer and keeps winning, including against Townes, whose attention makes her nervous. Meanwhile, Allston abandons Alma. Beth and her adoptive mother agree to keep his departure quiet so that Beth can stay.
Harry Beltik awaits in the final, arriving late and treating his opponent casually. Beth struggles, retreats to the bathroom and takes a pill before returning to the board. She defeats him and becomes Kentucky state champion, bringing home a hundred dollars. Alma's interest changes when she sees what chess can earn. Beth buys the board and books she wanted, while Alma begins arranging another tournament trip for them.